Last week, as I was having coffee with a fellow fashion editor, we got to talking about coats. Winter coats, specifically. We were commiserating about how you could be wearing the most amazing outfit you've ever put together, but if it's winter, most people you encounter are only ever going to see your coat, and it's therefore not only important to wear a fantastic coat, but to wear at least a few different ones within one season. I sheepishly admitted to right now wearing my new leather motorcycle jacket that I'm obsessed with over and over again…and over and over again. But I also swore that once it's a bit colder outside, I would be excited to rock so many different winter outwear looks…my boho-chic vintage furs, my super-sleek-feel-like-I-could-fit-in-at-Vogue long black cashmere coat with the convertible, dramatic collar, my trendy hip-length leopard-print rabbit jacket, my velvet evening coat, my it's-really-really-really-cold-in-downtown-Manhattan puffer jacket…you get the picture.

We all have regular wardrobes…groups of pants, tops, dresses…even shoe, bag and jewelry wardrobes. So if you lump your coats into that overall wardrobe, you might end up only buying (and then wearing) only one for a season. But in fact, there are really six coats that you need in your "coat wardrobe" so that all occasions and weather changes are covered. And while this may seem intimidating to your budget, but there are so many diverse price ranges and designers out there, that developing a sizable coat wardrobe really is do-able. Also, outerwear isn't nearly as trend-driven as seasonal clothing, so once you have that amazing black coat that we all need, you can keep wearing it for many years.

So what are these coats that create your perfect "coat wardrobe"? That amazing black wool or wool/cashmere blend, for starters. This should have at least one defining design attribute…a cinched waist, a dramatic collar, patent leather trim…something to make it stand out from the sea of other black coats. My suggestion for length would be to-the-knee or mid-calf…it will cover up even a long skirt, and adds a little extra warmth…

Next I would include a similar coat, but just a little shorter and in a bold (or other neutral) color. Grey and camel are great neutral options (as is winter white…except in Manhattan…it will be horribly dirty…), and fun bold shades include royal blue, Kelly green, dark orange, poppy red, pink, and saturated purple…

For visual interest, depth and texture, add a fur (or faux fur!) into the mix. This is also a really great way to bring a print to outerwear. By far the biggest trend this year is animal prints (leopard or zebra are my top picks), but try it in a hip-length jacket…any longer and it'll be a whole lot of furry animal print (in a bad way…)!

At some point, a (real) shearling coat in an amazing piece to invest in. This is by far the warmest coat you can own, and while faux shearlings are available, affordable and acceptable, the real ones are where the warmth and luxe look come from. I'd look for one in either black or chocolate brown…

Evening or black tie is always tough in winter, because if you're wearing a formal gown, who wants to cover it with the same black coat you wore to work that day?! This is why everyone should have a formal evening coat…whether it's very lightweight embellished cashmere or sumptuous taffeta or velvet, this one should feel dressy and special…

And last but not least? A fashion-forward puffy coat. Anyone can sport a North Face, but let's admit it…none of us really want to feel like the Michelin Man, right?! There are now a million and one options for puffy coats that have a designer feel to them with fashion-y details and feminine silhouettes…

It's up to you whether you need (or want!) every item in my proposed "coat wardrobe," but at least try to find two or three to get you through this coming winter season…just remember to buy quality over quantity and build the wardrobe slowly…better to have two this year and four next year – and still love them all the year after that!